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Depo-Provera Injections
More than 99% effective.
An injection of a hormone called Progestin®, similar to the body's natural hormone, progesterone. Injections are given (in the upper arm or buttocks) every 12 weeks to prevent pregnancy. Depo-Provera® injections prevent a woman's ovaries from releasing eggs.
It is best to have the first injection:
- In the first five days of your menstrual period
- Within five days of an abortion
- Within five days of giving birth
If you do not have the injection at these times you must use another method of birth control as a backup for a full two weeks so you don't get pregnant.
Advantages:
- Women who have health conditions that prevent them from taking birth control pills can often take Depo-Provera® (contains no estrogen)
- You don't have to interrupt sex
- You don't have to remember to take a daily pill
- Effective within 24hours when given during the first 5 days of a normal menstrual period
- Improves symptoms of endometriosis
Disadvantages:
- May have irregular menstrual bleeding or more frequent bleeding
- Must return to the clinic/doctor every 12 weeks for injection
- Women should not use this method if they have abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver diseases such as jaundice or hepatitis or breast cancer
- While unlikely, you may not be able to get pregnant for up to two years
Side Effects:
- Irregular menstrual bleeding or more frequent periods (most women have no periods at all after 6 months)
- The effects can last for some time after stopping the injections, as it takes some time for the hormone to clear out of your system. Most women get their periods within 6 months of their last injection, however some women take up to two years to get their periods back
- Weight gain of more than 2 pounds each year (may continue for a number of months after you stop using Depo-Provera®)
- Possible bloating, breast tenderness or headaches
- Researchers are studying whether Depo-Provera® use can decrease a woman's bone mineral density, increasing risk of osteoporosis
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